The two players were given suspensions – Ince for one match and Caulker for two – for incidents that took place at the end of a fiery play-off in Serbia in October, which led to the host country being punished for racist abuse and violent behaviour.

The FA has appealed on behalf of the players but UEFA has mounted a counter-appeal asking for all the sanctions handed out to both Serbia and England to be increased.

Blackpool winger Ince and Tottenham defender Caulker will make personal appearances at the appeal at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, on the shores of Lake Geneva, today.

They will be accompanied by England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce and two FA legal representatives, one of whom is a Swiss lawyer.

Caulker and Ince plus four Serbian players and two coaches were banned after the European Under-21 play-off match in Krusevac ended in a mass brawl.

It followed racist chants from Serbian fans towards England players.

The young Lions had won 1-0 to qualify for this year’s finals in Israel.

UEFA’s disciplinary panel ordered Serbia to play their next competitive Under-21 match behind closed doors and imposed a £65,000 fine.

UEFA had wanted tougher sanctions, however, and has put in its own appeal to have these increased – including for the two England players.

FA general secretary Alex Horne said after the bans were announced he was surprised by the sanctions.

He said then: “It is the FA’s vehement belief its players and staff acted correctly in the face of provocation.”